TRENTON, N.J. (December 22, 2025) – Last week, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved the creation of Phase 2 of the New Jersey Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge. Building upon the success of Phase 1, the $4 million grant program will position New Jersey residents for green economy careers, with a particular focus on serving New Jersey’s Overburdened Communities.

“Throughout the Murphy administration, the NJEDA has made major investments to support our clean energy future, helping build a stronger economy for the next generation,” said NJEDA Acting Chief Executive Officer Mary Maples. “The Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge is helping expand access to critical workforce development initiatives, ensuring New Jersey residents, particularly those in overburdened communities, are at the forefront for careers in the growing green economy.”

The competitive grant challenge will ask applicants to submit proposals that outline their plans to develop and implement workforce development initiatives to bolster the green economy, with a focus on New Jersey’s Overburdened Communities. Grants ranging from $500,000 to $800,000 will be awarded, and may be used to cover planning, outreach, construction, and implementation to offer training programs in green economy industries.

Following the New Jersey Council on the Green Economy’s Building our Resilient, Inclusive, and Diverse Green Economy (BRIDGE) initiative, the New Jersey Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge was first approved by the NJEDA Board in April 2024. Four applicants were approved under Phase 1 of the program, totaling $4.3 million in grant funding to support training programs in solar energy, weatherization, green infrastructure, electric vehicles and more. Phase 2 of the program is funded with $4 million provided through a Memorandum of Understanding between the NJEDA and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).

Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to, community-based organizations, workforce training organizations, labor unions, technical high schools, county colleges, non-profits, regional workforce development boards, and private-sector companies. Applicants must include at least one Community-Based Organization (CBO) that serves one or more New Jersey overburdened communities as part of their application either as the primary applicant or a collaborator.

Applicants’ proposals must include their plans to implement workforce programs that provide industry-recognized credentials, connect participants with job opportunities in the green economy, develop outreach that targets and support a diverse and inclusive pool of participants, including those from overburdened communities, and define program evaluation and success metrics. The grant program will prioritize support of training programs that connect participants with near-term job opportunities in the green economy.

More information about Phase 2 of the New Jersey Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge, including eligibility requirements and a formal application, will be available at www.njeda.gov.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

###

TRENTON, N.J. (November 25, 2025) – Purchaser applications are now open for the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s (NJEDA) two programs that are aimed at decarbonizing transportation and saving businesses money. Together, Phase III of the New Jersey Zero Emission Incentive Program (NJ ZIP) and the first phase of the New Jersey Zero Emission Vehicle Financing Program (NJ ZEV Financing), aim to accelerate the adoption and use of commercial zero emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles within the state, while reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.

WHAT:            NJ ZIP Phase III will provide vouchers to businesses and institutional organizations to offset the cost of purchasing new, zero emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. The size of vouchers awarded through this first round of Phase III, which is funded at $37.5 million, will vary depending on the class of vehicle being purchased, from a minimum of $15,000 for Class 2b vehicles to $175,000 for Class 8 vehicles. Bonuses will be available for school buses, small businesses; and women-, minority-, and veteran-owned businesses. Additionally, 50 percent of funds will be set aside for applications from small businesses in Overburdened Communities (OBCs).

NJ ZEV Financing, which is funded at $25 million, is a loan program to support businesses adopting medium- and heavy-duty zero emission vehicles. The program complements NJ ZIP by offering financing for vehicle costs that may not be met by NJ ZIP vouchers or other available grant funding resources. Loans will also be available through the program for businesses not utilizing the NJ ZIP program. NJ ZEV Financing will offer low-interest rate loans ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 for the purchase of one or more eligible vehicles.

WHO:              To be eligible, an applicant’s vehicle must be purchased within 18 months of voucher approval or issuance of a loan commitment letter and procured from an approved vendor.  Eligible vendors and vehicles for both programs will continue to be updated on a rolling basis.

WHEN:           Purchaser applications are now open and will be accepted on a rolling basis.

For more information about Phase III of NJ ZIP, click here.

For more information about NJ ZEV Financing, click here.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

###

Take Charge Program builds upon Authority’s robust clean energy suite of products

TRENTON, N.J. (November 3, 2025) – A new clean energy program aimed to increase electric vehicle charging stations across the state was approved by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board last week. The $50 million Take Charge Program will provide funding for charging infrastructure projects for private commercial fleets, helping bring more electric vehicles onto New Jersey’s roadways.

The Take Charge Program will help cover the costs, including hardware and related installation costs, of establishing electric vehicle charging infrastructure for private commercial fleets. Private fleets interested in adopting electric vehicles require consistently available and reliable charging infrastructure but often face high costs for installation and site upgrades necessary for charger operation.

“Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is leading the way in advancing robust programs and initiatives aimed to create a cleaner environment for future generations,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The Take Charge Program will complement the NJEDA’s other clean energy initiatives that support expanding the state’s fleet of electric vehicles, improving air quality, saving businesses money, and bolstering our green economy.”

Earlier this year, Governor Murphy announced that there are over 250,000 electric vehicle registrations in New Jersey, a new milestone in the state’s mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to 100 percent clean energy.

For-profit commercial organizations with two or more commercial-use vehicles will be eligible to apply for the Take Charge Program. Funding may be used to cover the cost of labor, materials, and equipment associated with new charging stations, including wiring and electric work, on-site renewable energy generation, and upgrades for installation and operation. Click here for a full list of eligibility requirements and eligible project costs. Interested parties with any questions may email takecharge@njeda.gov.

The minimum award for the Take Charge Program is $50,000. Awards will be capped at 50 percent of eligible project costs, but the cap may be increased by 5 percent increments if certain criteria are met, including if a project is in an Overburdened Community. An applicant may apply for multiple projects across different sites, as long as the total award does not exceed $5 million. The program is funded through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).

This new program builds upon the NJEDA’s continued efforts to put more zero emission vehicles on roads across the state. Earlier this year, the NJEDA approved Phase 3 of the New Jersey Zero Emission Incentive Program (NJ ZIP) and the New Jersey Zero Emission Vehicle Financing Program (NJ ZEV), which aims to accelerate the adoption and use of commercial zero emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles within the state, while reducing harmful emissions. Vendor applications are now being accepted for both programs on a rolling basis, with purchaser applications opening soon.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

###

TRENTON, N.J. (October 21, 2025) – Today, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced Scott Lechky has been appointed as the first Executive Director of the New Jersey Green Bank (NJGB). The NJGB, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the NJEDA, aims to use climate-related investments and financial assistance to mobilize private capital to accelerate the adoption of clean energy, advance New Jersey’s climate goals, and reduce the cost of energy for all utility ratepayers in New Jersey.

“Establishing the New Jersey Green Bank has been a pivotal step in Governor Murphy’s continued push to meet the ongoing challenges of climate change,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “As the Executive Director of the New Jersey Green Bank, Scott Lechky will work to inject capital into the state’s clean energy economy and support green businesses and good-paying jobs in the energy sector. Additionally, the investments made by the NJGB will pave the way for a cleaner and healthier environment for our residents and future generations.”

Lechky has over two decades of experience in energy and energy infrastructure investing, investment banking, energy project development, and corporate and project finance. He was the Founder and Managing Partner of Andelis Infrastructure Partners, a broker dealer and investment management firm focused on advising clients and investing in early-stage opportunities in the energy transition sector. Prior to launching Andelis, Lechky was the Chief Financial Officer of OYA Solar, a community solar developer that successfully placed 38 Mega Watts (MW) of solar projects into operations in New York. Lechky previously held investment banking roles focused on power, utilities, and infrastructure with Credit Suisse, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and Barclays, and energy infrastructure investment management roles at Antarctica Capital and Alberta Investment Management Corp. (AIMCo).

“From more violent storms to increased flooding, the effects of climate change have become all too familiar here in New Jersey,” said Chief Economic Transformation Officer Kathleen Coviello. “We are excited for Scott Lechky to join the New Jersey Green Bank, which is poised to support the Murphy Administration’s mission to combat climate change, transition to 100 percent clean energy, and strengthen our communities and economy for generations to come.”

“As the energy industry faces unprecedented demand growth in the coming years, I am excited to lead the New Jersey Green Bank in collaboration with key industry stakeholders that seek to diversify and decarbonize our energy sources,” said New Jersey Green Bank Executive Director Scott Lechky. “I am looking forward to establishing partnerships with private capital in support of technological innovation and the clean energy entrepreneurs that are delivering a lasting and positive impact on our environment, the economy and New Jersey communities.”

Lechky holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management with majors in Accounting and Analytical Finance and a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Finance from the University of Alberta. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst charter holder.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, Lechky will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for the NJGB’s staff, programs, and mission execution. In addition, Lechky will serve as the public face of the NJGB with key partners and stakeholders. Importantly, Lechky will provide strategic leadership and guide the organization through its critical start‐up and early growth phase – recruiting a high-performing team with deep investment and clean energy expertise, overseeing the completion of its first investments, and securing additional capital to scale impact across New Jersey.

Established in April 2024, the NJGB is a component of the 2019 Energy Master Plan and Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 316, which directed the NJEDA to implement programs supporting building electrification through the NJGB. As a subsidiary of the NJEDA focused exclusively on climate investments, the NJGB is well-positioned to attract private capital, including funds from public-private partnerships, as has been the case with other Green Banks in the United States. The NJGB intends to facilitate the development of climate and clean energy capital markets in the state through new forms of financial support, such as warehousing and securitization products, that address underdeveloped or nonexistent capital markets for these investments.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

###

Aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs, RETROFIT NJ will expand upon the efforts of the existing NJ Cool program

TRENTON, N.J. (October 9, 2025) – Building upon the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s (NJEDA) efforts to bolster the state’s clean energy economy, the Board approved a new program today aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs. The Reducing Emissions through Retrofits, Optimization, Fuel-Switching, and Innovative Technologies (RETROFIT NJ) Grant Program will support multi-pronged, large-scale retrofit projects that enable holistic energy improvements for buildings, campuses, and multi-building facilities, expanding upon the efforts of the existing NJ Cool program.

“New Jersey is leading the nation in building a cleaner and more resilient future,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The RETROFIT NJ Grant Program strengthens our commitment to reducing emissions, cuts energy costs, and drives innovation across our state. By investing in retrofit projects, we are not only protecting our environment, but also creating good-paying jobs and lowering costs for families and businesses.”

“Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has made great strides in saving businesses money, lowering our carbon footprint, and fostering a cleaner and greener state,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Programs such as RETROFIT will establish New Jersey as a national leader in large-scale building decarbonization efforts, while spurring economic activity and creating jobs.”

RETROFIT NJ will offer grant awards between $2.5 million and $12.5 million to commercial, industrial, and institutional building owners undertaking retrofit projects with a minimum total project cost of $5 million. Eligible projects must include at least three clean energy or electrification components, such as solar, energy storage, electrification of heating, refrigerant replacement, and energy efficiency upgrades. RETROFIT NJ will also provide support for projects implementing Thermal Energy Networks (TENs), an emerging technology that can significantly reduce emissions across multiple buildings. This program is the largest government construction grant program available for TENs in the country with up to $12.5 million available per project, demonstrating New Jersey’s strong leadership in advancing cutting-edge technology solutions to climate change.

“New Jersey is committed to combating climate change through impactful programs that aim to reduce our carbon footprint and promote a greener state,” said NJEDA Chief Economic Transformation Officer Kathleen Coviello. “With today’s approval of the RETROFIT NJ program, we’re expanding access to energy-efficient upgrades, strengthening our communities and economy, while helping businesses reduce energy use and save money.”

Currently, the NJ Cool program provides financial assistance to commercial, industrial, and institutional building owners and tenants undertaking retrofit construction projects that reduce operating greenhouse gas emissions from existing buildings in State-designated Overburdened Communities (OBCs) and Adjacent Community census blocks.

Since its launch in 2023, NJ Cool has been a popular program, receiving a high-volume of applications for smaller to medium-sized building decarbonization projects. The NJEDA has expanded the program’s eligibility requirements and infused an additional $15 million to support the program. With support from the NJ Cool program, awardees in Edison and Newark have utilized grant funding to make energy-efficient improvements, such as replacing natural gas heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units with electric units, installing solar panels, and replacing existing natural gas boilers with an electric variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system. Further examples of successful NJ Cool projects can be found on the NJ Cool webpage under the “Completed Projects” tab. The RETROFIT NJ program will complement NJ Cool by supporting larger, complex building decarbonization projects that fall outside the scope of limitations for NJ Cool.

The RETROFIT NJ program will utilize $75 million in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) funds, with 50 percent of the funding pool designated for applications submitted for projects in OBCs and/or for Institutional applicants for a one-year period. Funding provided by the program will cover both hard and soft project costs, including design, engineering, equipment, construction, and commissioning. Non-profit and institutional applicants will receive up to 60 percent reimbursement, while for-profit commercial entities are eligible for up to 50 percent reimbursement, with an additional 5 percent bonus for all projects located in OBCs. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with phased disbursement.

Applications for RETROFIT NJ are expected to open in the first quarter of 2026. For more information and a complete list of eligibility requirements, click here.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

###

TRENTON, N.J. (August 8, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is now accepting project applications for the Garden State Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program. The program enables commercial property owners to access a new form of financing to undertake energy efficiency, water conservation, renewable energy, and resiliency upgrades.

WHAT:            The Garden State C-PACE Program allows commercial property owners to repay investments in eligible projects through a special assessment to a Participating Municipality, similar to the owner’s real property tax, sewer, or water bill. This unique form of financing results in lower-cost, longer-term financing, making it easier for projects to be cashflow-positive from the outset.

The Program will help drive private investment, from Qualified Capital Providers, throughout the State to help decarbonize existing and forthcoming buildings. Using the Program, property owners will be able to finance up to 100 percent of eligible improvements for Retrofit Projects and up to 35 percent of the stabilized value of New Construction Projects. Projects that were previously completed within the three-year look-back period are also eligible to apply.

As the Program Administrator, the NJEDA will review applications for eligibility and issue determination letters, as appropriate. Each application must include the Qualified Capital Provider, Qualified Technical Reviewer, and the name of the Participating Municipality.

The following entities have been approved and are now active participants in the program:

• Approved Municipalities: 
  Hackensack, Lakewood, New Brunswick, Oldmans Township, Plainfield, and Woodbridge 
• Approved Capital Providers: 
  PACE Loan Group and Petros PACE Finance 
• Approved Technical Reviewers: 
  Asset Environments 

WHO:              Commercial, industrial, agricultural, certain multi-family residential, and tax-exempt and nonprofit property owners in approved municipalities are eligible to apply. For a complete list of guidelines and eligibility requirements, please click here.

WHEN:           Applications are now open and will be accepted on a rolling basis. To apply, click here. The NJEDA will continue accepting applications for municipalities, capital providers, and technical reviewers on a rolling-basis.

A previously recorded webinar containing additional information can be found here. The webinar slides can be found here.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

###

The NJ HAX Plasma Forge will transform plasma physics research into startups, jobs, and novel technologies

PRINCETON, N.J. (June 17, 2025) – Today, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced it will partner with venture capital firm SOSV and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) to create a new Strategic Innovation Center (SIC) in the Princeton area. The NJ HAX Plasma Forge will leverage the world-class research conducted by PPPL and SOSV’s robust investment experience to bolster plasma-focused startup creation and acceleration, promote industry collaboration, and commercialize groundbreaking technologies in an emerging economic sector.

“Through targeted investments and expanded resources for our state’s entrepreneurs, New Jersey is poised to lead in innovative industries like plasma and artificial intelligence,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The NJ HAX Plasma Forge, along with other Strategic Innovation Centers across New Jersey, will support startup creation, generate high-paying jobs, and strengthen the state’s long-term economic competitiveness.”  

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is partnering with inventive entrepreneurs, world-class academic institutions, and private sector experts to strengthen the state’s position as a leader in innovation,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “With the support of the NJEDA’s Strategic Innovation Center initiative, entrepreneurs will be able to harness transformative advances in plasma research to create businesses that drive this exciting industry forward and further the state’s ambitious clean energy and energy resiliency goals.”

The HAX Plasma Forge will include up to 10,000 square feet of lab and co-working space close to PPPL’s facility in the Princeton area, with equipment, staff and infrastructure suitable for low-temperature plasma research, which is essential to semiconductor manufacturing processes, and fusion supply chain development. Princeton-based SOSV will operate the SIC in collaboration with PPPL, providing up to $24.5 million in seed funding to startup companies located in the SIC and engaging with established industry leaders to work alongside entrepreneurs and researchers. Pending approval by its Board, the NJEDA intends to invest $24.5 million to support the HAX Plasma Forge operations and investment into participant companies.

SOSV previously partnered with the NJEDA to establish HAX, LLC’s United States flagship headquarters in Newark, a SIC which provides support for emerging companies, including up to a $550,000 initial investment in each participating company, 180 days of hands-on collaboration, and a global community for early-stage founders building hard tech startups.

“Plasma is a powerful tool in the deep tech arsenal, a technology that unlocks nuclear fusion, powers advanced spacecraft, and manufactures futuristic AI chips,” said SOSV General Partner and HAX Managing Director Duncan Turner. “PPPL is a world-renowned leader in this field, and we’re thrilled to partner with them to unlock new possibilities. At SOSV, we’ve already backed a handful of startups harnessing plasma technology, and this new lab, made possible by the NJEDA, will allow us to expand and deepen that effort.”

PPPL, a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory managed by Princeton University, conducts essential research across a full range of plasma applications to solve science and technology challenges. The laboratory aims to develop the scientific knowledge and advanced engineering to enable fusion to power the U.S. and the world, advance the science of nanoscale fabrication and sustainable manufacturing, and further the development of the scientific understanding of the plasma universe.

Today, plasma is being harnessed to power fusion reactors for carbon-free energy, propel advanced satellites, and build the next generation of artificial intelligence chips that will drive global innovation. PPPL is the premier plasma physics lab in the United States and a world leader in plasma science. The NJEDA’s investment will allow new technologies to be developed and support efforts to build a plasma valley in New Jersey. 

“PPPL brings world-class talent and capabilities and is uniquely positioned to drive innovation in the state and the nation,” said PPPL Laboratory Director Steve Cowley. “Partnering with SOSV and NJEDA will expand our scientific footprint, enabling our expertise to drive economic development and advance new technologies. This is an exciting new chapter.”

SICs are facilities that support research and development, innovation, and entrepreneurship through mentorship, networking opportunities, hands-on training, business support services, and education opportunities. SICs can be accelerators, incubators, or research centers. Having a physical location where entrepreneurs can collaborate will help support new, diverse innovators and help drive long-term economic growth.

The NJEDA has announced investments into 11 SICs in New Jersey, focused on industries such as artificial intelligence, fintech, aerospace, life sciences, and biotech. To learn more about the NJEDA’s SIC initiative, visit https://www.njeda.gov/strategic-innovation-centers/. 

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

###